Effect of sophrology on perinatal stress monitored by biopyrrin

Aim: Few stress markers are available for women in perinatal period. We introduced biopyrrin (BPn) for monitoring the perinatal stress and investigated how the stress could be regulated. Methods: Study patients consisted of 220 full-term pregnant women between 2006 and 2008. Cases were analyzed based on 1) pattern of delivery, the use of pain control (anesthesia) or hypnotics (Sophrology), 2) maternal complications, and 3) habitual smoking or alcohol consumption. Urinary samples were collected from pregnant women before and after delivery, and from newborn babies. Results: The average level of BPn in pregnant women was 2.61 ± 0.25 U/g·Creatinin (Cre) (Mean ± SE). This is significantly higher than age-matched nonpregnant women (0.79 ± 0.24 U/g·Cre). After normal delivery, BPn was significantly elevated to 5.29 ± 0.57 U/g·Cre (p < 0.001). BPn decreased significantly to 3.41 ± 0.51 U/g·Cre in sophrology assisted delivery and 4.87 ± 0.53 U/g·Cre under epidural anesthesia (p < 0.05), while delivery induction elevated BPn (11.62 ± 1.95 U/g·Cre). Conclusions: BPn might be an excellent indicator for monitoring perinatal stress. Significant decrease of BPn in sophrology-assisted delivery suggests that the technique should be useful for the relief of perinatal stress.